The 15-year-old phenom from Dollard des Ormeaux, Que., has just signed a contract with Micks Motorsports to race in three, possibly four, road-course races in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series this season.

Lazare had been thought of as a successor to Jacques Villeneuve and Alex Tagliani as the next Quebecer to move up the open-wheel ladder, but those plans are on hold while he attempts a stock car career.

Team owner Kerry Micks said Wednesday that Lazare will begin testing the heavier, higher-horsepower stock cars as soon as possible.

“We will get him in a Late Model for some testing at Sunset Speedway,” Micks said. “And then we want to test at (Canadian Tire Motorsports Park) in a NCTS car.”